Saturday, February 19, 2011

Minute to minute, hour to hour, and day to day.

Last night about midnight we received a call from Primary children’s telling us Julia’s Blood gas (CO 2) levels were extremely high, and her blood was becoming acidotic, and that we may need to go down. She is always critical, but last night she was critical-critical and not her usual stable-critical Julia. Yesterday morning Julia started on the Oscillator vent, around noon she was than switched to the “Jet”ventilator and then they switched her back to the Oscillator last night hoping that would bring her blood gas levels back down. So far the switch back to the oscillator has helped. They also gave her fluids and extra platelets to bring those levels down too. This whole week has been critical-critical off and on. We have been receiving late night and early morning calls all week about her critical condition. I thought I was saying good bye to her several times this week, but somehow she surprises us and pulls through. I haven’t had ulcer’s for a long time, but I think they are back. If she makes it through all of this, her drama and trauma is spent with me. No more, especially when she is a teen. I’ll make sure her nurses let her know that.

Even with all the craziness I like to focus on the positive, even if it’s a tiny thing. I’ve had a couple of sweet moments with Julia this week. Before her perforated bowel surgery, the surgical tech said I could kiss her before she scrubbed her down for the surgery. I’ve never kissed her before, so I stole two kisses. It was such a sweet moment, especially since I didn’t know if she would tolerate the surgery. Crazy!! Yesterday when Julia was having a good moment around 1:00pm or so I was singing and talking to her, she opened her huge eyes and blinked at me a couple of times. This was quite the treat, because of her non-responsive state from surgeries and med’s this week. I felt like she knew I was there, and she was letting me know she was there.

Colleen, I apologize for the hysterical late night call. Thank you.

I am grateful and amazed at how quickly Heavenly Father has responded to our prayers. Especially last night. And I am grateful for the inspiration doctor’s and nurses have received to help get Julia back to her “stableness”. I stand all amazed……

Thank you everyone for your continued prayers, love and support. We apologize for our crazy moments in all of this, and hope none of you have to ever experience this. The other NICU parents are going through the same thing we are at some varying degree, and I wish I could just hold them and say everything is going to be alright. Wow, when our children get sick it always reminds us of our great love for them. I know Heavenly Father is aware of what we are going through, and he also love’s us so much. We love you all!

Just want you to know many friends at McKay are thinking about you and praying for you and little Julia! I can't seem to get her out of my mind- I was there when we sent her off last Sat. I miss her! Thanks for your great example- give Julia a love for us!Sherri (RT at McKay)

Hey! This is cousin Dantzel, not to be confused with aunt or daughter Dantzel. :) I only recently heard about Julia, so I apologize for being so late. I just wanted to let you know that we're thinking about you and praying for you, too. Thank you for your amazingness.

Erin and Bill,I just found out about your blog through Kirsten. I am so glad to know of what is going on with your sweet Julia whom we have been doing much praying for. Although it's been hard to read, I've been thankful to learn of the entire story from the beginning. I will continue to look at this blog often since it is a huge help to all of us in knowing what is going on. I think SO MUCH of you guys and always have! I consider you great friends although we don't see each other a whole lot. You are two amazing people with a wonderful family. Our thoughts are with you everyday.Your friend, Tami (and Mike) Johnson